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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
microbial community
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"microbial community" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a group of microorganisms living together in a particular environment. Example: The study aimed to analyze the diversity and functioning of the microbial community found in the soil samples collected from different locations.
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
Science & Research
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Microbial community structure and its functional implications.
Science & Research
(C) Microbial community bar plot by genus.
Science & Research
Microbial community assembly, theory and rare functions.
Science & Research
(A) Microbial community bar plot by phylum.
Science & Research
(B) Microbial community bar plot by family.
Science & Research
A comparative molecular analysis of the microbial community between samples obtained from the MLS revealed the microbial community was diverse.
Marine microbial community dynamics and their ecological interpretation.
Science & Research
Gut microbial community structure in nursing and weaned groups.
Science & Research
J.d.C., V.M. and W.K.K. conducted microbial community analyses.
Science & Research
These geochemical differences appear to strongly influence microbial community structure.
Science & Research
Microbial community composition and function across an Arctic tundra landscape.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing a "microbial community", specify the environment or location where it resides (e.g., soil microbial community, gut microbial community) for clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "microbial community" interchangeably with terms like "pure culture." A "microbial community" consists of multiple species, while a pure culture contains only one.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "microbial community" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a group of interacting microorganisms in a particular environment, as shown in Ludwig's examples.
Frequent in
Science
40%
Science & Research
35%
News & Media
10%
Less common in
Academia
5%
Wiki
5%
Formal & Business
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "microbial community" is a grammatically sound and widely used term, particularly within scientific and academic fields. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves as a noun phrase to describe interacting microorganisms in a specific environment. Common contexts include scientific research, environmental studies, and medical contexts. While alternatives exist, such as "microbiome" and "bacterial consortium", "microbial community" maintains a clear and specific meaning, emphasizing the communal aspect of microbial life. When using this phrase, specify the environment in question for clarity. Overall, it is a fundamental and informative term for discussing complex biological systems.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
community of microorganisms
A more verbose alternative, highlighting the communal aspect of microbial life.
microbiome
Focuses on the collective genomic content of the microorganisms, shifting emphasis from community structure to genetic potential.
bacterial consortium
Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of bacterial interactions within the community.
microbial assemblage
Highlights the collection or gathering of different microbial species.
consortia of microbes
Stresses the cooperative relationships between different microbial species.
gut flora
Specifically refers to the microbial community residing in the digestive tract.
indigenous microbiota
Highlights the native microbial species within a specific environment.
microbial population
Focuses on the number of microorganisms present rather than the diverse community structure.
resident microbes
Emphasizes the permanent presence of microorganisms in a particular habitat.
microorganism ecosystem
Broader term encompassing the microbes and their interactions with the environment.
FAQs
How can I use "microbial community" in a sentence?
You can use "microbial community" to describe the group of microorganisms in a particular environment, such as "The study analyzed the effect of pollution on the soil "microbial community"".
What is the difference between "microbial community" and "microbiome"?
"Microbial community" refers to the group of microorganisms in a specific environment, while "microbiome" includes the microorganisms, their genes, and their surrounding environment.
Which is the correct way to say, "microbial community" or "microbial communities"?
Both are correct, depending on the context. Use "microbial community" when referring to a single group of microorganisms and "microbial communities" when discussing multiple distinct groups.
What are some environments where "microbial communities" are commonly found?
"Microbial communities" are found in diverse environments, including soil, water, the human gut, and even extreme environments like hydrothermal vents.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested